This archive report was first published on 12 July 2019.
On July 12, 2019, a dramatic scene unfolded in court as Cliff Ombeta, a city lawyer, faced off with the prosecution over his medical records.
Ombeta, who was representing three accused persons charged with the murder of lawyer Willy Kimani, had failed to appear in court on Thursday citing medical reasons.
Prosecution sought to have the Director of Criminal Investigations probe the doctor's letter presented on his behalf, with State Counsel Nicholas Mutuku stating, 'Are we dealing with a supernatural being...the conduct of the lawyer raises questions and that why we have to investigate.'
Ombeta, however, remained adamant that his illness is a private matter and refrained from divulging further information, saying, 'I'm not the one on trial so anything happening to me its private, again leave me alone...why do you want to know my sickness, leave me alone.'
When trial judge Justice Jessie Lessit arrived, she was taken aback by Ombeta's dressing, saying, 'You are not dressed properly.' Ombeta apologized, stating, 'I apologise to the court...it's not intentional...it's the circumstances...'
According to Ombeta, he has been unwell since Saturday and was told to be on bedrest for four days. He claimed that his condition did not start yesterday, but has been ongoing for two years.
Prosecution, however, insisted that Ombeta reveal what he is ailing from and further accused him of deliberately delaying the hearing of the case.
